El Paso Company Recalling Mexican Candy

News Release May 7, 2008

An El Paso company is voluntarily recalling containers of a granulated candy imported from Mexico after testing by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) found elevated lead levels that could cause health problems.

Distributor Mexican Specialty Products El Loco, Inc., is recalling all lots of the JOVY brand of Acirrico Sour and Hot Powder manufactured by Procesadora de Alimentos Cale, S.A. de C.V.

The orange granular product is packaged in 33 gram white plastic containers with a red shaker-style lid. The label features red lettering outlined in white, blue and black with a picture of a red chile above the name of the product.

DSHS officials said the problem is with the product, not with the distributor.

Laboratory tests show lead levels above 0.1 parts per million, which is considered to be a potential public health hazard by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Product samples ranged from 0.208 to 0.407 parts per million of lead. The tests were part of DSHS product surveillance.

Eating products containing lead can be especially harmful to infants, young children and pregnant women. Too much lead intake can result in delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies.

Children who have high blood lead levels may be tired or cranky, not have much appetite, have headaches, vomit, be constipated, be clumsy or weak, not be able to sleep or not be able to pay attention. Some children who have lead poisoning may not look or act sick.

DSHS officials say consumers who have the recalled product should not eat it and should return it or throw it away. The only way to know if a child has a high blood lead level is to have a blood lead test. People concerned about blood lead levels should call their doctor or health clinic about testing.